Kolkata, Oct 27: ATK secured their first home win of the season after a 2-1 triumph over beleaguered Chennaiyin FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Friday. Nigerian hitman Kalu Uche (3rd minute) and John Johnson (13th) put Steve Coppell's side 2-0 up before Carlos Salom (17th) pulled one back for the defending champions.

Chennaiyin FC got off to the worst possible start as a defensive mix-up saw them concede as early as the third minute. Chennaiyin goalkeeper Karanjit Singh's goal-kick was headed back by Gerson Vieira. It fell to Uche who found himself clear of both the centre-backs and slotted a calm finish past the goalkeeper.

The setback forced the reigning champions into action and they pulled a goal back within five minutes through Salom. Francisco Fernandes' accurate cross from the right wing was glanced into the net expertly by the Palestinian striker as coach John Gregory heaved a sigh of relief.

Chennaiyin FC pressed for an equaliser and created several chances in the first half but failed to convert them. In an attempt to attack, they were leaving spaces behind for the likes of Lanzarote to exploit. However, ATK also could not capitalise on the offerings.

ATK looked a bit more compact at the start of the second half and Chennaiyin had to wait until the 56th minute to fashion a proper opportunity when Salom managed to dart into the box, only to see his rasping shot from close-range go well wide of Arindam Bhattacharya's goal.

At the other end, Lanzarote continued to threaten the Chennaiyin defence with his set-piece deliveries. One such effort saw Everton Santos send a header just over the bar.

Second-half substitute Gregory Nelson could have rescued a point for the Marina Machans when Thoi Singh found him at the far post with a cross. But his header was parried away by an alert Bhattacharya.